Hello,
Ive been reading a lot of info here for months and months, and decided to sign up and chime in because I have a question.
I know my GF wants a sapphire engagement ring. I also know she does *NOT* like intricate bands where the diamonds go allllll around the band. She has shown me images in the past of celeb rings or friend rings and commented that she'd like a Center stone and 2 side stones. The center as a sapphire and the sides as diamonds.
She has also stated that bulky rings like the halo types are not her favorite but if its done in good taste she wouldnt mind that setting.
We've been dating for 10 years, so dont kill me, I'm a bit slow to get around to these things![Smile2 :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
Anyways, I found this setting and I think its a great setting after weeks and weeks searching. She is a biologist and she loves loves loves flowers, so I thought this is a simple ring that has the mentioned design elements she would like, while being fairly unique.
http://www.maevona.com/product/MVB7_POP
That being said. I had questions I figured you guys might be able to answer.
1). It seems almost impossible to find gemstones with a rating system like a diamond would have. After a bit of reading it seems that its all done "based on how it looks to you" more than any ratings. This makes purchasing online difficult as images can lie / deceive. Any recommendation for a place that has affordable loose sapphires of good quality ? I know I cant get a "bargain" here... but I also know I cant just trust any merchant and their pictures.... a recommendation in the right direction to someone who has acceptable prices while having quality gems would be great.
(Consider its the center stone of an engagement ring, I'd want something that ideally says "wow, this may not be a diamond, but its the best damn sapphire he could find" without costing 10k)
2). The setting says 1 to 1.5 carats in size. Can anyone recommend a similar (very similar?) setting that can accomodate a slightly larger center stone? maybe a 1.8 or a 2 ct? Maybe if not larger, at least another designer with a similar type setting... I ask because this designer seems, expensive... but it is very unique and maybe something similar will be equally as nice without the hefty pricetags.
3). Do I also choose my side diamonds in pear cut? Any recommendations on where to get small side stone diamonds (not center cut) but of good cut? I know with diamonds the fire/sparkle is most important and thats usually based on a well done cut. Next is color and third I'd say inclusions. I'd need a reputable place to get quality gems at appropriate prices that wont sell me a photoshopped image with a lower quality diamond.
Thank you in advance, I hope she loves it![Smile2 :) :)](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
-David
Ive been reading a lot of info here for months and months, and decided to sign up and chime in because I have a question.
I know my GF wants a sapphire engagement ring. I also know she does *NOT* like intricate bands where the diamonds go allllll around the band. She has shown me images in the past of celeb rings or friend rings and commented that she'd like a Center stone and 2 side stones. The center as a sapphire and the sides as diamonds.
She has also stated that bulky rings like the halo types are not her favorite but if its done in good taste she wouldnt mind that setting.
We've been dating for 10 years, so dont kill me, I'm a bit slow to get around to these things
Anyways, I found this setting and I think its a great setting after weeks and weeks searching. She is a biologist and she loves loves loves flowers, so I thought this is a simple ring that has the mentioned design elements she would like, while being fairly unique.
http://www.maevona.com/product/MVB7_POP
That being said. I had questions I figured you guys might be able to answer.
1). It seems almost impossible to find gemstones with a rating system like a diamond would have. After a bit of reading it seems that its all done "based on how it looks to you" more than any ratings. This makes purchasing online difficult as images can lie / deceive. Any recommendation for a place that has affordable loose sapphires of good quality ? I know I cant get a "bargain" here... but I also know I cant just trust any merchant and their pictures.... a recommendation in the right direction to someone who has acceptable prices while having quality gems would be great.
(Consider its the center stone of an engagement ring, I'd want something that ideally says "wow, this may not be a diamond, but its the best damn sapphire he could find" without costing 10k)
2). The setting says 1 to 1.5 carats in size. Can anyone recommend a similar (very similar?) setting that can accomodate a slightly larger center stone? maybe a 1.8 or a 2 ct? Maybe if not larger, at least another designer with a similar type setting... I ask because this designer seems, expensive... but it is very unique and maybe something similar will be equally as nice without the hefty pricetags.
3). Do I also choose my side diamonds in pear cut? Any recommendations on where to get small side stone diamonds (not center cut) but of good cut? I know with diamonds the fire/sparkle is most important and thats usually based on a well done cut. Next is color and third I'd say inclusions. I'd need a reputable place to get quality gems at appropriate prices that wont sell me a photoshopped image with a lower quality diamond.
Thank you in advance, I hope she loves it
-David